Low-Temperature and High-Areal-Capacity Rechargeable Lithium Batteries enabled by π-Conjugated Systems

High mass loading and high areal capacity are essential for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density, but they usually suffer from the sluggish charge-transfer kinetic of thick electrodes, especially at low temperature. Here, organic molecule perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) has been investigated as a feasible cathode for high areal capacity rechargeable LIBs operated at low temperature. Specifically, the charge storage process mainly occurs on the surface redox-active groups of PTCDA, resulting in a fast kinetics of charge storage. Meanwhile, the delocalization of electrons in the pi-conjugated systems of PTCDA could enhance the electron transportation prominently. Consequently, the Li-PTCDA battery with a high mass loading of 14.35 mg cm(-2) delivers a high reversible areal capacity of 1.06 mAh cm(-2) at -40 degrees C. This work demonstrates a great potential of pi-conjugated organic materials for low temperature and high-areal-capacity rechargeable LIBs.

Automated summary

The use of organic molecule PTCDA as a cathode material for high-areal-capacity rechargeable LIBs operated at low temperatures is investigated. The surface redox-active groups and electron delocalization in the pi-conjugated systems of PTCDA enable fast charge storage and enhanced electron transportation, resulting in a Li-PTCDA battery with high reversible areal capacity at low temperatures.